Demolition of Nitro High School Building Approved

News Summary

The Nitro Land Reuse Agency has secured the old Nitro High School building for demolition following its auction. The building, vacant since 1991, suffered significant disrepair and was deemed unsafe. Mayor Casebolt acknowledged the emotional impact on the community while emphasizing the future potential for the land. Residents and alumni will be able to take home bricks from the demolition as a remembrance of the school’s rich history. The school operated since the 1940s, but plans for future use faltered due to structural issues.

Nitro, West Virginia – The old Nitro High School building, located on 19th Street, is set to be demolished following the successful auction bid by the Nitro Land Reuse Agency (LRA). The LRA secured the property with a winning bid of $166,000. This decision comes as the building has remained vacant since the last graduating class in 1991, with its function largely diminished since the school moved to Park Avenue.

Over the years, the structure has been utilized by local churches and community centers; however, it has fallen into disrepair, characterized by significant issues including the presence of asbestos, minimal plumbing, and a leaky roof. The building is often described as having no functional use, with Mayor Dave Casebolt referring to it as a “dinosaur” that is no longer needed.

With the demolition plan in place, the LRA will also explore options for repurposing the land in the future, although there are currently no immediate plans for its use. Nonetheless, Mayor Casebolt has expressed his sadness regarding the impending demolition, acknowledging the sentimental value the school holds for many residents, himself included. He particularly highlighted the emotional weight of the upcoming 50-year reunion for his graduating class as a reminder of the school’s significance within the community.

To honor the memory of the school and its alumni, Nitro officials have announced that they will offer free bricks from the demolished building to residents and alumni who wish to keep a piece of their past. Additional memorabilia is also expected to be made available in the future, giving residents a chance to reminisce about their time spent within those walls.

The Nitro High School building has a history that dates back to the 1940s, serving as an educational institution for decades. In recent discussions, the old school structure was considered as a potential home for a charter school. However, the discovery of substantial structural issues—such as the aforementioned asbestos, plumbing problems, and limitations in parking—derailed any plans for future use as an educational facility.

The main parking lot, previously utilized by Nitro Elementary, is owned by Kanawha County Schools, which presents additional challenges for any potential future redevelopment of the site. As the LRA moves forward with the demolition and subsequent land discussions, local officials remain hopeful about envisioning a new future for the area that honors the historical significance of the old school while ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

As the demolition of Nitro High School approaches, the community is poised to both say goodbye to a treasured landmark and look toward the future opportunities that will arise from the land once the old structure is removed.

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Additional Resources

• WV MetroNews
• WOWK TV
• WCHS TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nitro, West Virginia
• Google Search: Nitro High School West Virginia